~~Do You Love Grunge Tags? How about a Tutorial!?!~~

Ordinary shipping tags, boiling water, instant coffee granules, vanilla and cinnamon

I mix the first 3 ingredients in the glass measuring cup, cool, and then pour half into a shallow container, big enough to dip the tags into.

You can just dunk the tags into the mixture, or leave them in for 20 seconds or so, depending on how dark you want your tags to be. Either way, lightly tap the tag against the edge of container after dunking, so you don't end up with puddles on your tags. Lay them out in a single layer on a cookie sheet.

The part that makes them the most aromatic, is lightly sprinkling cinnamon on them while they are wet, before baking. Don't go overboard... a little goes a long way! You can then add a second layer of tags on the cookie sheet, and repeat the cinammon sprinkling on the 2nd layer.

Bake in a preheated oven of 250 degrees, bake for 5-6 minutes, flip the tags over to expose the underside and continue baking for another minute or so. You will feel that they are dried out and beginning to curl up when finished baking.

Over a sink, I brush the excess/loose cinnamon off each tag with my hand. Make sure to store the finished tags in an airtight container (the original package they came in, or a zip lock bag works well) to savor the aroma !

Let your imagination run wild while altering and collaging them. Use distress inks, stamps, faceted jewels, Glimmermists, ephemera, copies of old photos, lace, buttons, and more. They make wonderful gifts in a set of 6 or so, or to use as a bookmark. Using them to embellish that special gift for someone isn't the only use for these!

Just a couple of ideas. Great for Chritmas, birthdays, or anyday! Enjoy!

 When I first discovered the fun of making altered gift tags in that deliciously scented, aged look, I knew I had to find out how to grunge the tags myself. First of all, alot cheaper (you can grunge 100 large shipping tags yourself for about $6, and the ingredients will last for several hundreds of tags). Second of all, you can get the exact measure of grunge and scent you want. I have had several friends request a tutorial on how to do this process , so here goes. Any questions, please feel free to email me. First of all, you will need basic shipping tags ( I like the larger size, with string attached available at Staples for under $6 a pkg. of 100). You will also need 1 1/2 cups boiling water, 3 T vanilla, about 4 T instant coffee granules. Mix those 3 ingredients together, let cool slightly. You will also need ground cinnamon. ALL of the ingredients can be no-name, or generic brands. Go the cheapest route!